schmidtrossi

Saw a thread about biking over the Bridge into Sausalito and taking a ferry back. Anyone out there done this? Would it be too chilly at the end of March to do this and any suggestions for what to do in Suasalito for a few hours with a couple of older kis?

flygirl

I almost did this last July but didn't have time. It looks like a great way to spend part of the day! I don't know about too chilly/windy though, being on a bridge can't help in those departments.

you can rent bikes at Pier 39, among other places.

Sausalito itself has lots of little restaurants and shops - you can just wander around for a few hours.

one thing I plan to do on my next trip back are the fire engine tours. they pick you up down near Ghirardelli Square and go all over, including across the bridge. it sounded like a hoot! My timing was off on that as well.

Grasshopper

I've done this bunches of time and it's great fun. As for the weather, it's so weekend specific. I've had better days in January than I've had in July or August. It will depend completely on what the weather is like while you're here. But March could be great.

Will you be renting bikes? Blazing Saddles is a good outfit with nice, safe bikes and all the equipment and maps you will need. The ride to Sausalito and back is really easy. There's only one real hill and you can walk up that if you get stuck.

Something you might want to check out with your kids, in Sausalito, is the Bay Model. It's a scale size replica of the Bay with lots of displays and information about the environment and the science in the area.

Have a great time! I'll keep my fingers crossed for good weather.

Grasshopper

I didn't mean riding back.. I meant taking the ferry to the Embarcadero and riding back from there. The ride back to SF is not so easy as there's a good hill to the bridge.

crefloors

Be sure to take a jacket for the bridge no matter what the weather is. It can be freezing out over the bay. I used to laugh at the tourists as I was driving over the bridge..walking or biking with their shorts and t-shirts..the car was vibrating from their teeth chattering. I'm older now, so would be more compationate these days...just be sure to have a jacket.

suzanne

Yes! Did it, loved it, and would do it again. I rented from Blazing Saddles, Pier 39...they were very helpful in mapping out the trail for me. I went past Sausalito and on to Tiburon, then took the ferry to Angel Island, had a picnic and did the tour, then took another ferry back to SF.

bluestructure

Yes, this was alot of fun. I only sugguest you ride one way and you'll know what I mean on the way to Sausalito because once you get across the bridge, its mostly down hill. Blazing saddles is down on pier 39, they have maps, locks, saddle bags, and even tickets for the ferry coming back. This is truly the best way to see the GG bridge. There is mostly shops/eateries in Sausalito. Didn't stay there long, was a crowded saturday afternoon in Sept. It was pretty chilly in Sept (50s) and it was nice thou once in Sausalito, it was much warmer(70) and sunny. Talk about micro climates. I don't have a clue of the weather over there in March but regardless, its a clear day I would go for it. http://www.blazingsaddles.com/ is the website and it basically has alot of info on there for you. Good luck!

KT

Another consideration: It's been a rainy winter in the Bay Area, so don't discount the possibility of rain in late March. But in between the rainy days and the grey days, there have been some nice, sunny ones.

LoveItaly

KT, do not know what part of the SF/Bay Area you live in but Vacaville has had perfect weather the last three days. It is like summer. A welcome change. But of course we can all get some more rain.

Regarding the GG Bridge, it is so beautiful to be on the Bridge. But as other have said schmidtrossi, do take a jacket. You can find pockets of sunshine in SF etc. but the Bridge which is between the Pacific Ocean and the SF Bay can get really cold. Or at least really foggy.

But you will have a wonderful bike ride. I have family members in SF that do this often. Have a fabulous time!

Pete1222

Yep, We did this with our 2 daughters; 10&12 last year. After lunch in Suasalito, (FYI: There is an incredible deli on the main drag---just across from the water front. We took our sandwiches & salads up to the town fountain to relax) then we pushed on to Tiburon. Great ride but a bit dicey around Hwy 101.
I've also crossed the GG and then turned left out onto the Marin Headlands. That is a wonderful 8 mile loop that also ends in Sausalito. However, It is 1 1/2 miles straight up----w/ glorious views---and then an incredible journey down toward the sea. From there you go the remote backway through a long---oneway--- tunnel that spits you out just above Suasalito.
I'm taking the family on that one in 3 weeks! (They will absolutely hate me when they see that hill!!) From there we will ferry back to SF; where I will attempt to spoil all 3 of them.

Suzanne---I am in awe that you made it out to Tiburon and then ferried over to Angel Island too! How well did you sleep that night I wonder!?
We are also looking to do Angel Island as a separate excursion on this next trip.
What time did the ferry leave Tiburon to get you to Angel island? Did you feel that you had enough time out on AI?
Regards,
pete

Grasshopper

Pete, Angel Island should be a breeze if you've gone up the Marin Headlands. It's much flatter. Be sure to get a good early start and make a beeline to Tiburon. (Mollie Stone's, in Sausalito has a GREAT deli). On good days the boats get full and there limit the number of bikes they will take. Alternatively, head to Larkspur and take a ferry from there. They are bigger and nearly always pretty empty.

Pete1222

Thanks Grasshopper,
But where exactly is Larkspur?

Yeah, I agree that Angel Island is pretty much a "Milk Run". But after the Marin Headlands loop I think our youngest will be in full rebellion mode! I can probably "sell" Angel Island for a following day. Unless the ferry goes from Sausalito to Angel Island. Do you know if it does?

Gosh, when are we ever going to have time to visit Bodega Bay & Ft. Bragg? (The youngest is just dying to go horseback riding on the beach. Like who isn't)!
There is just too much to do in SF...
And this will be my 3rd trip there in 12 months. It really is such a sensible place....
We even found that old dock warehouse where all the San Fran. libraries send their books to be sold as used. The place is really great. The kids get a great deal and we all get to eat at that trendy warehouse that has been converted into an eatery. How sensible is that...
pete

Grasshopper

To get to Larkspur, just keep going North, over the Corte Madera hill and stay close to the Bay. It's at the very north end of the bay.

Pete, have you taken your kids to the Bay Model yet? http://www.spn.usace.army.mil/bmvc/

I might be in full rebellion mode too, if you made me ride up that hill to the Headlands.

Pete1222

Have not yet done the Bay Model.
I'll check it out.
Thanks again,
pete

suzanne

Pete-
I do not believe that there is a ferry from Sausalito to Angel Island.
Since I'm an east-coaster, I got up pretty early to start my ride, and didn't buy lunch until I reached Tiburon (there's a local chain sandwich place right near the ferry dock). I had no idea what to expect on Angel Island, but it turned out to be picnic central! Lots of people lying out on blankets, throwing frisbees, flying kites...it was a very pleasant atmosphere. And there is a snack shop there that has ice cream & stuff -this is where you buy tickets for the trolley tour of the island. There are some historic sites and great views from the trolley, but I have to admit I slept through some of it!

Pete1222

Hi Suzanne,
Yeah we're east coasters too but my daughters still manage to sleep until 8:30!! Anyway, did you actually do any biking out on Angel Island and if yes, then how was it?
Thanks, we leave in 1 week.
pete